Coming soon, exclusively in ebook format, to online retailers near you. :)
I might redesign the covers before they hit the marketplace, but I think these are final. :)
--J.C.
Personal Effects
"Personal Effects" Is Required Reading For College Course /
Color me gobsmacked: Personal Effects: Dark Art, the transmedia supernatural thriller novel I wrote with Jordan Weisman, is required reading for an English course at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The class is ENGL 376MM: World Building, and is taught by Zach Whalen, an assistant professor in the department of English, Linguistics and Communication. More on Whalen in a moment -- first, get a taste of what this class is all about:
Our goal will be to [explore] world building within the expressive practices supported by New Media technologies, and we will proceed by examining texts that imagine Virtual Reality technology or Alternate Worlds. The culmination of this will be to collaboratively design and deploy an Alternate Reality Game of our own.
Students are also required to become active bloggers during the course, build and describe a virtual world, and research -- and make a class presentation about -- a specific ARG campaign.
Dude, I so want to be in college again, just to take this class.
Dr. Whalen definitely has the chops to rock his students' socks: He teaches in the area of New Media Studies, and his research focuses on videogames. According to his website, he earned his Ph.D. "by completing a dissertation on the textuality of videogame typography. Also, in 2008, Vanderbilt University Press published Playing the Past: History and Nostalgia in Video Games, the collection of essays I co-edited with Laurie N. Taylor."
His book looks awesome. I just bought it on Amazon.
Especially flattering is that Personal Effects is required alongside Neal Stephenson's classic, Snow Crash. (SC is one of my favorite novels.) Also on the reading list is the very insightful This is Not a Game: A Guide to Alternate Reality Gaming by Dave Szulborski.
I can't quite wrap my head around the fact that my novel will be read in a college classroom -- but I'm absolutely jazzed by the news. I'm very proud of Personal Effects and the "out of book" experience we created for it, and am humbled Dr. Whalen felt it was worthy to include in his curriculum.
Most important, I'm delighted that teachers like Whalen understand the cultural significance of this emerging form of storytelling, are embracing it, and are sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with their students.
Pardon me. I must do the Snoopy dance now.
--J.C.
(A grateful shout goes to ARGNet's Michael Andersen for tipping me to this on Twitter!)
Sword of Blood "Grand Design of Nine" PDF /
No Personal Effects story is complete without a transmedia experience. Behold, Sword of Blood's -- a PDF featuring the "Grand Design of Nine" quilt designs described in the novella! (Note: Do NOT view this PDF if you haven't listened to Episode 6 of the story, lest you be spoiled.)
SYNOPSIS: This 24-page PDF file reveals real photos of the "Grand Design of Nine" quilt blocks described in Personal Effects: Sword of Blood. This transmedia experience allows you to see the quilt blocks as hero Zach Taylor did, and view the encoded "buttonhole" text -- as well as the hidden designs mentioned in the novella.
This PDF release marks the conclusion of Personal Effects: Sword of Blood. Hutch hopes you enjoyed the story, and will check out its follow-up, the groundbreaking transmedia novel, Personal Effects: Dark Art!
Personal Effects: Sword of Blood episode 7 /
It's the final episode of Personal Effects: Sword of Blood -- but it's not quite the end! Listen to Hutch's intro for more information. Enjoy the conclusion!
SYNOPSIS: Zach pursues the Bloodsword. Secrets are revealed. The conclusion of Personal Effects: Sword of Blood.
Personal Effects: Sword of Blood episode 6 /
Finally, Personal Effects: Sword of Blood is back. Expect one or two more episodes in the story, and then we're done. Thanks for your patience as J.C. wrote, edited and recorded this new content.
SYNOPSIS: Zach unearths the grand design of nine ... and receives a history lesson from Rachael.
HEY, EVERYBODY #023: Personal Effects swag winners! /
Are you okay to go? J.C. is, and drops killer announcements in this episode. Fire up your MP3 players and take a good listen: Hutch announces the winners of the Personal Effects: Dark Art swag giveaway contests ... including the winner of the priceless Sword of Blood!
- Purchase Personal Effects: Dark Art
- Matt Wallace's website: Matt-Wallace.com
Winners: Expect an email in day or so. Hutch needs your snail mail address.
If Hutch didn't announce your name (but met the qualifications he mentions in the episode), email him. We'll hook you up with swag.
The anthem for Hey, Everybody! is "Chip Away" by Jane's Addition, distributed freely via BitTorrent and the Nine Inch Nails/Jane's Addiction tour site, Ninja2009.com.
Like what you hear? Please leave a comment, and tell a friend about the show, and about Personal Effects: Dark Art!
J.C. on the Typical Mac User Podcast /
I recently had the great pleasure to appear on Victor Cajiao's terrific program, the Typical Mac User Podcast, to chat about Personal Effects: Dark Art, new media, creativity, and how Apple products and software play mission-critical roles in my creative endeavors. Victor, TMUP contributor George Starcher and I had a blast.
Victor has generously provided me the audio from that interview, and I'm delighted to share it with you. I also heartily endorse Victor's world-class show, and hope that you -- regardless of if you're an Apple fanboy or a hard-core PC user -- check it out. And for the photographers in my audience, check out Victor's stellar Typical Shutterbug Podcast, too!
--J.C.
Behold, the SWORD OF BLOOD /
J.C. Hutchins and award-winning horror/thriller writer Matt Wallace have teamed up to unleash the coolest promotion in the history of the mothereffin' multiverse. By evangelizing J.C.'s new novel Personal Effects: Dark Art, you have a shot at winning a unique, priceless sword ... THE Sword of Blood.
This is a BATTLE READY, real-deal, no-messing-around REAL sword, from Matt Wallace's private collection. It is a replica of the sword wielded by Charles V of Spain. In 1519, Charles V was crowned "Roman Emperor"; at that time, no other leader had ruled such an inmense kingdom in human history. The sword's blade is forged in high carbon stainless steel, and is 40 inches long. It was crafted by Marto, the same company that created swords for the Highlander television series.
But it gets so much cooler. J.C. and Matt will write a flash fiction story, focused on the Sword of Blood ... and that story will be written on the blade of the weapon. This story will not appear anywhere else on the planet; it is written for an audience of one -- the person who wins the Sword of Blood. And to make this a true Sword of Blood, both J.C. and Matt will sign their names upon the sword in their own blood.
This sword originally cost hundreds of dollars, and is now truly priceless. Only one will be worthy to wield it.
How can you win THE Sword of Blood? Simple.
- You must have a copy of Personal Effects: Dark Art on hand. (Borrow one from a friend. Order a copy here. If you can't obtain a copy, play them the videos at my homepage.)
- You must conduct a "show and tell" of the novel and its transmedia items (IDs, biz cards, documents, etc.) to several family members or co-workers.
- Simply show off the book, and tell your pals about the novel and its "out of book" transmedia experience.
- You must pass out copies of the Order Form PDF (found below) to each person you chat with.
- You can do this in your home, at a friend's house, or at your workplace.
- You must document this Show And Tell session with at least one photograph.
- Email that photo to J.C. at 7thSonNovel.com by July 31.
One worthy participant will be selected at random, and will receive THE Sword of Blood, featuring a flash fiction story written upon its blade and signed by its authors in their blood. This sword ruled the Roman Empire. It is more than worthy of your effort. In fact, the real question is: Are you worthy to possess it?
The contest ends July 31, 2009, so there's no time to waste. Print out the Order Form PDF for your peeps (found below), and get showing and telling. Be sure to document your efforts, and send at least one photo to J.C. at 7thSonNovel@gmail.com.
HEY, EVERYBODY #018 /
It's another terrific interview this week, featuring brilliant storyteller and musician Phil Rossi. The man chats with J.C. about the upcoming print release of his novel Crescent, his new transmedia podcast novel Harvey, the craft of writing, and much more. It's a red-hot episode!
- Purchase Personal Effects: Dark Art
- PHASE TWO: Madness In The Streets
- The Sword of Motherf***ing Blood Giveaway (Scroll to the bottom of the page for all the details.)
- Phil Rossi's website
The anthem for Hey, Everybody! is "Chip Away" by Jane's Addition, distributed freely via BitTorrent and the Nine Inch Nails/Jane's Addiction tour site, Ninja2009.com.
Like what you hear? Please leave a comment, and tell a friend about the show, and about Personal Effects: Dark Art!
HEY, EVERYBODY #017: State of the Book #3 /
Hot damn! Personal Effects: Dark Art continues to chug along most mightily as J.C. serves up another State of the Book address. Highlights also include: J.C. going off on a 1980s G.I. Joe cartoon tangent, J.C. nearly choking to death on-air, the return of the invisible toasting glass, J.C. chatting about the Sword of Blood giveaway, and the new goal we have as Personal Effects fans -- the 4 for 400 for 4,000 campaign. Download this sonuvagun, like, now.
- Purchase Personal Effects: Dark Art
- PHASE TWO: Madness In The Streets
- The Sword of Motherf***ing Blood Giveaway (Scroll to the bottom of the page for all the details.)
- Matt Wallace's website
The anthem for Hey, Everybody! is "Chip Away" by Jane's Addition, distributed freely via BitTorrent and the Nine Inch Nails/Jane's Addiction tour site, Ninja2009.com.
Like what you hear? Please leave a comment, and tell a friend about the show, and about Personal Effects: Dark Art!
HEY, EVERYBODY #016 /
J.C. interviews writer/podcaster/vidcaster/dark god Matt Wallace in this epically-awesome conversation. You will not only be introduced to the badassery that is Mr. Wallace -- you will bear witness to history in the making as J.C. and Matt announce the most compelling, amazing and jaw-droppingly cool giveaway ever conceived, like, EVER. Get ready to say, "Oh, shit."
- Purchase Personal Effects: Dark Art
- PHASE TWO: Madness In The Streets
- The Sword of Motherf***ing Blood Giveaway (Scroll to the bottom of the page for all the details.)
- Matt Wallace's website
- Jonathan Maberry's website
The anthem for Hey, Everybody! is "Chip Away" by Jane's Addition, distributed freely via BitTorrent and the Nine Inch Nails/Jane's Addiction tour site, Ninja2009.com.
Like what you hear? Please leave a comment, and tell a friend about the show, and about Personal Effects: Dark Art!
Personal Effects: Dark Art excerpt episode 1 /
Welcome to the first of at least two Personal Effects: Dark Art audio excerpt episodes. It is my supreme pleasure to present Chapters 1 and 2 in this episode.
SYNOPSIS: Zach Taylor strides into Brinkvale Psychiatric Hospital, and is presented with his strangest case to date: Martin Grace, a blind serial killer.
- Promo: Seth Harwood's Jack Wakes Up
- Promo: Squint Squad
HEY, EVERYBODY #015: State of the Book #2 /
In which J.C. briefs you on Week Two sales of Personal Effects: Dark Art, tells you about his ambitious Phase Two project, and educates you on the importance of Getting Your Ass To Mars.
- Purchase Personal Effects: Dark Art
- PHASE TWO: Madness In The Streets
The anthem for Hey, Everybody! is "Chip Away" by Jane's Addition, distributed freely via BitTorrent and the Nine Inch Nails/Jane's Addiction tour site, Ninja2009.com.
Like what you hear? Please leave a comment, and tell a friend about the show, and about Personal Effects: Dark Art!
Phase Two: Chapters 1-4 of Personal Effects: Dark Art /
You are in a position to make a positive impact on the fate of Personal Effects: Dark Art. It's time to shout the news from the rooftops ... and I'm giving you some tips and tools to help. Here's one; find more at the PHASE TWO: Madness In The Streets page.
Give Away The First Four Chapters
Wanna give your pals a sneak peek of Personal Effects: Dark Art? I'm here with the hookup. The first taste is free, and it's a doozy. Your friends will be drooling for more.
Download the PDF below. Email it to peeps. The file is less than 2MB, so it won't choke their email service. CC me on your email ( 7thSonNovel@gmail.com ), and you'll be in the running for a signed copy of the book, or other PE:DA swag. Spread the insanity.
Phase Two: Bookstore order form /
You are in a position to make a positive impact on the fate of Personal Effects: Dark Art. It's time to shout the news from the rooftops ... and I'm giving you some tips and tools to help. Here's one; find more at the PHASE TWO: Madness In The Streets page.
Purchase A Copy
If you haven't acquired a copy of Personal Effects: Dark Art, I (predictably) urge you to do so. While you can order online, I encourage you to visit your local bookstore and buy it there. This sends a strong transmission to booksellers to stock the book, and illustrates demand for this bad puppy.
Be sure to print out the smokin' hot PDF found below, fill it out and take it to the bookstore, in case the store doesn't have Personal Effects in stock. Your special order is another way to showcase demand for the book.
Personal Effects: Sword of Blood episode 5 /
Apologies for the delay in releasing the latest episode of Sword of Blood. J.C. kinda had a big book launch last week, and has been scrambling to catch up ever since. Plus, he's been creating some cool stuff for you, which will be released later this week.
This week's Sword of Blood episode is a short one, but it's packed with some exciting and disturbing sequences. This will be the last Sword of Blood episode for the next two weeks. On Friday, June 26 and Friday, July 3, you will experience audio excerpts from Personal Effects: Dark Art. You'll learn why in J.C.'s chatter after the episode.
SYNOPSIS: Zach takes a call. Hen reveals her knowledge of The Charred.
NEW TO J.C.'s FICTION, OR PODCASTING? I've been releasing free audiobooks since 2006, and am gearing up for the June 9 release of Personal Effects: Dark Art, a novel that combines the traditional novel experience with a multimedia-fueled "out of book" narrative that unfolds via phone, email and websites. Pre-order a copy of Personal Effects: Dark Art today.
Listen to the episode by clicking the "play" button below. Catch up with the story by visiting the Sword of Blood synopsis page. Learn how to subscribe this podcast here.
HEY, EVERYBODY #011: The Debrief /
It's the DAY ONE DEBRIEF in which J.C. gives you a full (if sleep-depped, rambling) report on how Personal Effects: Dark Art performed online and in bookstores yesterday, its mainstream debut. There is muchly gushing, muchly chatter about Phase Two, and some swearing. Because Hutch swears. Links/stuff mentioned in this epsiode:
- Order Personal Effects: Dark Art
- The SUPERVLURB
- SuicideGirls.com/Personal Effects PG-13-rated PDF
- SuicideGirls.com's "Personal Effects" photo set (membership required)
- It's $4/month. Do it. You know you wanna.
- Liveblog post #1
- Liveblog post #2
You'll hear more from J.C. in just a few hours. Now, he shall sleep.
The anthem for Hey, Everybody! is "Chip Away" by Jane's Addition, distributed freely via BitTorrent and the Nine Inch Nails/Jane's Addiction tour site, Ninja2009.com.
Like what you hear? Please leave a comment, and tell a friend about the show, and about Personal Effects: Dark Art!
Personal Effects covered on several blogs, podcasts /
Hey there! Yesterday was a huge day for Personal Effects: Dark Art (see liveblogging reports here and here; older updates are at the bottom the page), and we kicked some major booty. The adventure's just starting, however. If you're new to JCHutchins.net and want to learn more about Personal Effects, please visit this page. There, you'll get the full skinny on this groundbreaking novel (which I co-authored with game designer Jordan Weisman). Be sure to check out the sidebar on that page for even more goodies and information about the book.
New fans and old can feast thier peepers and ears on these really cool blogs/projects/podcasts that rolled out recently, all covering PE:DA:
- Dan Tabor's text interview with me for Geekadelphia
- Jay Hathaway's text interview with me for SuicideGirls
- Her Side, a groundbreaking multimedia fiction project, created by J.R. Blackwell and Mur Lafferty, which helps support Personal Effects
- My audio interview with the BBC's Pods and Blogs program
- My interview with Grammar Girl for her new Behind the Grammar podcast
- Author Matthew Wayne Selznick's review of PE:DA
If you enjoy this content, and are persuaded to purchase a copy of Personal Effects: Dark Art, the book is now available in North American bookstores, and for immediate purchase online.
Jetpack on! Higher! Higher!
--J.C.
LIVEBLOG -- Personal Effects launch party! /
Most-recent updates will be near the top of the page; all updates will be timestamped U.S. East Coast time. Let's have some fun! Be sure to sound off in the comments along the way!
Note that links to any online retailer do not imply my endorsement of one retailer over another. Updates are provided for informational and update purposes.
---- BEGIN UPDATES ----
10:48 PM
The LIVEBLOG post has gotten too big for its britches! Standby as I create a new post to accommodate new content!
--J.C.
10:26 PM
Technology conspired against the Hutch! Lost an entire (and awesome) update here, but will try to post pics a bit later. Update time!
Current sales rank online: 8 in sci-fi (holding strong), 21 in fantasy (holding strong), 66 in mystery & thrillers (up from from 70!), 330 overall (up from 371)!
Also, the book is currently #1 in the "Hot New Releases" for science-fiction, #7 in "Hot New Releases" for sci-fi & fantasy (holding strong), and #46 in the "Hot New Releases" section for mysteries & thrillers (up from 48!).
It's time to bring some West Coast muscle to this endeavor. Check out my shout-out to my PST friends!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k28CQ36tKWI&feature=player_embedded
9:20 PM
Giveaway #3!
As you know, there are TWO giveaways currently underway for today:
1) Call 206-984-2992, follow the instructions in the message, and then send me an email (7thSonNovel@gmail.com) telling me what you said.
2) Visit the Trailers page, and post one of the vlurbs on your site, tweet it, or email FIVE friends, and then send me an email (7thSonNovel@gmail.com) stating your mission compliance.
And now ... a THIRD GIVEAWAY opportunity!
3) This one's sinfully easy, but critically important. The gig:
- This is about personal word of mouth
- Email TEN FRIENDS / FAMILY MEMBERS who you dig most dearly
- Direct them to http://jchutchins.net
- Tell them all about Personal Effects: Dark Art, and ask them to watch the main video on the home page
- CC me -- 7thSonNovel@gmail.com -- on your email
- That's it.
Can you do that? Sure you can. Ping ten pals, direct them to my site, and ask them to watch a video. Easy peasy. All giveaways end at midnight EST.
I'll randomly select two winners from the bunch. Your prize: signed copies of Personal Effects: Dark Art. You can't beat that with a stick! Get emailin'!
9:05 PM
Personal Effects: Dark Art maintains momentum!
Current sales rank online: 8 in sci-fi (holding strong), 21 in fantasy (holding strong), 70 in mystery & thrillers (down from 68), 371 overall (up from 373).
Where are my West Coast peeps? Time for you to crack some knuckles, hit the streets (or sites) and purchase a copy of the book...
Also, the book is currently #1 in the "Hot New Releases" for science-fiction, #7 in "Hot New Releases" for sci-fi & fantasy (holding strong), and #48 in the "Hot New Releases" section for mysteries & thrillers (down from 47).
Do I feel a sales rally coming on from my PST friends?
8:56 PM
More unboxing video awesomeness, this time from Steve Saylor! (I love his J.C. impersonation in the beginning!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSTBp0bHgH4&feature=player_embedded
8:45 PM
Have you checked out the red-hot (yet PG-13 rated) PDF featuring Suicide Girls Annika and Lumi ... and the "personal effects" from PE:DA? Click here to get the full story, or click the image below to download the PDF. If the photos leave you salivating for more, check out SuicideGirls.com to become a member (a mere $4/month) and view the full adults-only set titled, "Personal Effects."
Books just got a whole helluva lot sexier.
Click to download the PDF
8:23 PM
Here are some fun unboxing photos from Brian Webber!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtigAESh1vc&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS0lpreeHuE&feature=player_embedded
7:59 PM
You. Continue. To. Bring. It. Check out this AMAZING update!
Current sales rank online: 8 in sci-fi (up from 10!), 21 in fantasy (up from 24!), 68 in mystery & thrillers (up from 71!), 373 overall (up from 408). We've cracked 400! Can we hit Top 5 in sci-fi and Top 20 in fantasy? It's up to you!
Also, the book is currently #1 in the "Hot New Releases" for science-fiction, #7 in "Hot New Releases" for sci-fi & fantasy (holding strong), and #47 in the "Hot New Releases" section for mysteries & thrillers (up from 48)!
It's time to bring up the reserves, my peeps. If you've been holding out, head to your local bookstore or order online tonight!
Let's blow the roof off this sumbitch.
7:27 PM
Another photo update! I want YOUR photo here on the site today ... but the only way to do that is to hit your local bookstore and snag a copy. Can you do that? Are you willing to become one of the stellar folk below who've documented their awesomeness? I surely hope so. (Of course, if you'd rather order online, I can oblige.) Snap a pic, send it to 7thSonNovel@gmail.com, bask in the glory of your peers!
On with the superstars!
Bruce Lerner
daecabhir
David Perry's Spock and Chekhov
EdGizmo
Eric J. Frank
FancyFembot
frankstendal
gravityquest
Jack Staples
Luis
Pavlina
Podcast Junky
Stewart Boyles
zahooee
syntheticjesso
Wired Pig
7:05 PM
I have PUNISHED the dishes! And what's this? A new chart update! Ever higher!
Current sales rank online: 10 in sci-fi (slipped a notch here), 24 in fantasy (up from 27!), 71 in mystery & thrillers (up from 79!), 408 overall (up from 452). We're gunning for 400 now, peeps!
Also, the book is currently #1 in the "Hot New Releases" for science-fiction, #7 in "Hot New Releases" for sci-fi & fantasy (holding strong), and #48 in the "Hot New Releases" section for mysteries & thrillers (up from 49)!
6:32 PM
I must wash dishes. Will return soon...
6:20 PM
MORE photos from Personal Effects fans! Can you feel the love? I can. It's warm and fuzzy. (Or is that my Brinkvale straightjacket?) Email me YOUR PE:DA pic at 7thSonNovel@gmail.com!
Brandon
CrazzyWarrior
Michael Ward
Randy Hinkley
silent_e
Tiggr
6:00 PM
ASCENSION CONTINUES!!
Current sales rank online: 9 in sci-fi, 27 in fantasy, 79 in mystery & thrillers, 452 overall. JETPACK ON!
Also, the book is currently #1 in the "Hot New Releases" for science-fiction, #7 in "Hot New Releases" for sci-fi & fantasy (hopped back up a notch here!), and #49 in the "Hot New Releases" section for mysteries & thrillers (up two more notches)!
Will continue adding Brick-And-Mortar Hollas in the update slot below! Keep the support coming!
5:20 PM
Let's have some fun for the rest of this hour. I've been leaning on those online sales ranks all day ... but let's show some love for the folks who bought copies in real-life brick-and-mortar stores. Did YOU buy your book in-store? Shoot me a quick email -- 7thSonNovel@gmail.com -- or an @ reply on Twitter (I'm @jchutchins), telling me where you snagged your copy, and we'll give the store mad props here in this update section!
Email me! @ me! Give me a BRICK-AND-MORTAR HOLLA!
@frankstendal sez: "Borders in PDX did not fail me..."
@silent_e sez: "Got my copy at Books Inc., independent brick-n-mortar bookseller!! http://www.booksinc.net"
@Ropecast sez: "Mine was a brick-&-mortar Barnes & Noble in Madison, WI (east side). One of your wild, premature copies."
@Desdemina sez: "Barnes & Noble"
@trreed sez: "Borders, Quarry Market, San Antonio, TEXAS"
@JMCampbell sez: "I bought my copy at the Barnes & Noble at the Wellington Green mall in Wellington, FL"
@Mainframe sez: "I bought my copy today at the Barnes & Noble in Macon, GA"
@Br4indead sez: "Barnes & Noble, Lake Grove, NY.. Three on the shelf, now there are two ;) "
slamo via email sez: "Hey Hutch, Got my copy at the B & N in Palm Beach Gardens..shiny and new!!!"
@A_Rae sez: "I just bought my bookstore's last copy of Personal Effects. That makes me giddy."
@cmdln sez: "Borders in downtown Silver Spring, MD. And it was face out when I found it!"
@Barely sez: "I got mine at Barnes & Noble in Oak Brook Illinois. They had 3 copies left after I got mine."
@bknudtson sez: "Reserved my copy of #PEDA at Borders. Heading that way to pick it up on the way home"
@RandyNBL sez: "Just picked up one copy at B&N in Kennesaw, GA. Amazon copy en route."
@rgoshko sez: "none at my local store, but over 60 in my town"
@dcperry sez: "Got mine at the Barnes & Noble in Merrillville, IN after a swing and a miss at the local Borders."
@arkle sez: "My #PEDA came from beautiful Westminster, CO, on Sheridan Blvd. How B5. ;-) "
@PodcastJunky sez: "I got the last copy at the Borders books in Tustin, CA"
@monkeyluis sez: "Barnes & Noble!"
@Sparkly_Aria sez: "I reserved my copy at the local BN in Arlington, TX. Headed there shortly to pick it up."
@macfoo sez: "Borders in Newark, DE - was able to pick up my pre-order yesterday"
5:01 PM
BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE: Current sales rank online: 10 in sci-fi, 29 in fantasy, 84 in mystery & thrillers, 475 overall.
That's top 10 status in SF, top 20's in fantasy, top 80's in ultra-competitive mystery/thriller ... and TOP 500 overall!
Also, the book is currently #1 in the "Hot New Releases" for science-fiction, #8 in "Hot New Releases" for sci-fi & fantasy (slipped a notch here!), and #51 in the "Hot New Releases" section for mysteries & thrillers (up two notches)!
4:30 PM
Check out these AMAZING Personal Effects-related videos from folks who've purchased a copy: Mataxes, violetrogue and Karl Schild. Astoundingly awesome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q49xbjOcUMo&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYfwrg_gXYE&feature=player_embedded
http://s100.photobucket.com/albums/m29/Zahooee/Videos/?action=view¤t=PEDAOpen.flv
4:22 PM
More pics from the wild! This is amazing! Send me YOUR pic with Personal Effects: Dark Art at 7thSonNovel@gmail.com!
BenPick
Dr. Duran aka Zed
Pavlina
Steve Saylor
Thomas Reed
3:25 PM
Another GIVEAWAY CONTEST! If you've been following the live updates here, you know that two lucky folks will snag a signed copy of PE:DA by calling...
206-984-2992
...following the instructions in the message, and then sending me an email (7thSonNovel@gmail.com) telling me what you said. But let's have some more fun, and give away TWO MORE copies!
Here's what you do: visit the Trailers page and pick your favorite video blurb from the ones found there. EMBED THE VIDEO at your site/blog, or post it to your Facebook page. If you don't have a site/FB, post a link to your favorite vlurb on Twitter. If you don't have a Twitter account, EMAIL FIVE FRIENDS a link to your favorite video, or to the Trailers page.
That's it. Either 1) post a vlurb on your site ... 2) tweet it ... or 3) email five friends a link to the vlurb/Trailers page.
Once you've done that, EMAIL ME at 7thSonNovel@gmail.com and I'll randomly select two vlurb evangelists from the bunch. They'll win signed copies of Personal Effects: Dark Art!
Both giveaways are running until the end of June 9. Get crackin'!
3:00 PM
Ascension continues! Current sales rank online: 11 in sci-fi, 34 in fantasy, 89 in mystery & thrillers, 557 overall. Eking closer to the top 500! Rock on!
Also, check out the brilliant Jared Axelrod's post about his wife J.R. Blackwell's project HER STORY -- details of which can be found below. Support experimental fiction (J.R. and Mur Lafferty are co-creators) and Personal Effects at the same time! Thanks for spreading the word, Jared!
2:37 PM
Can YOU share your unboxing video? Please do! Upload your vid to a video sharing site like YouTube, email me the link at 7thSonNovel@gmail.com, and I'll post it here! So cool!
2:28 PM
MORE awesome pics from Personal Effects fans! Check 'em out ... and if YOU have a copy on-hand, send it my way. I'll get it here on the page! 7thSonNovel@gmail.com
Barely
Beth Case
Keith Burtis
Paulette Jaxton
And standby for more awesomeness! Rumors suggest an UNBOXING VIDEO is on the way!
1:56 PM
Current sales rank online: 12 in sci-fi, 34 in fantasy, 93 in mystery & thrillers, 581 overall. We just might crack 500, folks! Keep the support coming!
Also, the book is currently #1 in the "Hot New Releases" for science-fiction, and #53 in the "Hot New Releases" section for mysteries & thrillers!
Also: Incredible! Twitter is overflowing with positive comments, public sightings and more, re: PE:DA. Check out the stream here.
And also: I'm stunned and flattered by Matthew Wayne Selznick's 1,000+ word review of Personal Effects. If you're on the fence about the book, check out his thorough review for more information.
And another also: Escape Pod founder Stephen Eley also has some kind things to say about PE:DA ... and my interview (along with Jordan Weisman) with the BBC is now online and available for download!
1:20 PM
Some recordings I've received so far for the Celebration Line giveaway! Scroll down to get all the deets!
1:00 PM
Sweet Christmas! More photos rolling in from you generous folk! Behold the amazing pics of fans like YOU who've picked up a copy of the book. It's good to see Scott Sigler represented here (those books class up his pasty mug), and check the hilarious pic by Stephanie, which proves that you need more than one copy of PE:DA in the house to keep folks civil!
Remember: Win a signed copy of Personal Effects: Dark Art! Call the Brinkvale Personal Effects Launch Celebration Line, leave a celebratory message, and then send me an email (7thSonNovel@gmail.com) telling me what you said. The two callers with the most creative and fun message wins a copy of PE:DA! You have all day, June 9, to participate. The number:
206-984-2992
Chart update coming soon, peeps.
David Perry
Richard Green
Scott Sigler
Stephanie Harvey
Vlad
12:15 PM
Holy smokes, stellar news abounds! Check this:
Current sales rank online: 16 in sci-fi, 50 in fantasy, 774 overall. Heading toward the stratosphere, peeps!
PLUS -- CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT: Win a signed copy of Personal Effects: Dark Art! Call the Brinkvale Personal Effects Launch Celebration Line, leave your craziest, coolest celebratory message, and then send me an email (7thSonNovel@gmail.com) telling me what you said. The two callers with the most creative and fun message wins a copy of PE:DA! The number:
206-984-2992
Get creative! Get crazy! Get committed! (You have all day today, June 9, to participate.)
PLUS -- ANOTHER GIVEAWAY! Check out "Her Side," a multimedia experiment created by Mur Lafferty and J.R. Blackwell! This is a STELLARLY awesome experiment in fiction, and it supports Personal Effects! Visit the site for details, and support this brilliant new way of telling stories from Mur and J.R.! I have the coolest pals on the planet.
PLUS! Another thank you video from J.C. ... you guys are rocking my socks!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7018orLS80&feature=player_embedded
11:30 AM
MORE Personal Effects: Dark Art photos are rolling in. So awesome. Check 'em ... and check this fancy news: the book is #2 in the Sci-Fi "Hot New Releases" section. Keep spreading the word!
LUNCHTIME for East Coasters is fast-approaching. Will you pick up your copy of PE:DA during the break? Contribute to the cause, and be sure to take a pic of you with your book! Send it to 7thSonNovel@gmail.com, and I'll post it here!
Thomas "cmdln" Gideon
JP Harvey
11:00 AM
Current sales rank online: 16 in sci-fi, 56 in fantasy, 819 overall. Higher! Higher!
SuicideGirls.com has unleashed its "Personal Effects" photo set on the site. Check it out here. Membership is required to view the adults-only set; it's $4/month. (Money well-spent, if you ask me.)
I also serves up a video shout of muchly gratitude for YOUR help in making Personal Effects: Dark Art a hit-in-the-making. Thank you!
Contest announcement coming soon...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PSTZHi3DhY&feature=player_embedded
10:45 AM
Holy moley, check out these AWESOME colored pages from Anthony Epp! He printed out the fun (and funny!) Personal Effects: Dark Art coloring book, and did some art therapy of his own! How cool! Send me YOUR colored pages, and I'll post them here at the site! Email them to 7thSonNovel@gmail.com !
From Anthony Epp
From Anthony Epp
From Anthony Epp
10:00 AM: Stores now open on the East Coast
Current sales rank online: 29 in sci-fi, 90 in fantasy, 1,063 overall. Onward and upward!
EEE! UPDATE: Current sales rank online: 17 in sci-fi, 62 in fantasy, 867 overall. Highest ranking yet!
Muchly superfandom is being displayed in the Tweetspace and on blogs. Check out some of the kindness being displayed over at Twitter ... and be sure to check out the kind comments of Jason Penney, DC Perry and James Durham at their sites -- and at the Masks of Eris blog, too. Too cool for school!
Giveaways are coming: Signed copies of Personal Effects: Dark Art ... and signed copies of super-rare Advanced Reader Copies of the novel, too! Let's wait for the West Coast to wake up first, and then we'll unleash some evangelical badassery upon the Web!
8:40 AM
Current sales rank online: 24 in sci-fi, 75 in fantasy, 1,264 overall.
Even MORE photos of you awesome folks with your copies of Personal Effects are rolling in! Hot damn, check out these supercool pics of these PE:DA superfans!
Donna Phillips
From Eddie Haynes
Laura
The Encaffienated ONE
8:05 AM
You guys have sent me some AWESOME photos of you with your copies of Personal Effects: Dark Art! Here are a few that have rolled in so far; I'll post more throughout the day. Be sure to send me your pics at 7thSonNovel@gmail.com , and I'll get them on the site today!
MA in PA
Brian Saxon
Icepick
Drew Beatty
7:39 AM
Just posted the PG-13-rated, stellarly sexy PDF excerpt of SucideGirls' "Personal Effects" photo set. Find it here. The full, adults-only nude photo set will be available at SuicideGirls.com later today. SuicideGirls used the out-of-book artifacts as props in an in-world story told in the Personal Effects universe.
Also, the SUPERVLURB is now live, featuring 12 of the most influential names in podcast fiction. Too awesome for words. Check it here.
I'm guzzling the nectar of the gods -- Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee -- and prepping some fun content to post here later in the day, including photos of YOU with your copies of Personal Effects: Dark Art. Have a pic of you with your copy? Email it to me: 7thSonNovel@gmail.com...
PDF: SuicideGirls.com Photo Set: "Personal Effects" /
Note: This is part of a groundbreaking cross-promotion with the alternative pin-up site SuicideGirls. This content -- and the accompanying PDF -- is adult in nature. Discretion is advised. See the complete, unedited, nude pin-up “Personal Effects” photo set at SuicideGirls.com.
PERSONAL EFFECTS
A Suicide Girls photo story featuring Annika and Lumi, and transmedia items from the novel Personal Effects: Dark Art
From the journal of Suicide Girl Annika...
My pal Rachael Webster (a.k.a. PixelVixen707, SuicideGirls' Hit Play columnist) asked me to take a look at the personal effects of Martin Grace, a patient and possible serial killer, who resides at Brinkvale Psychiatric Hospital where her boyfriend, art therapist Zach Taylor works. Rachael's been worried about Zach ever since he started working with Martin at the behest of his Brinkvale boss, who needs to know if Martin is fit to stand trial.
Zach has been wondering about Martin's innocence, but Zach's dad, the District Attorney, is convinced he's a stone-cold killer. Guilty or innocent, Martin has really got under Zach's skin and in his mind in a very disturbing way, so Rachael wanted a fresh set of eyes to sort through the evidence she, Zach and his brother Lucas have found so far. Is this guy really a deadly psychopath? Could he be a danger to Zach -- or even Rachael? I called in my buddies Lumi (such a scintillating beauty) and Zoetica (a photographer with an eye for erotic detail) to help solve the mystery. Everywhere around us were personal effects; traces of a veiled injustice perhaps? A mystery.
Perhaps, by solving it with me, Lumi will reveal secrets of her own. Unfortunately we got a little distracted, and didn't pay as much attention to the clues as perhaps we should have (who knew playing detective could be so hot?). Can you help solve this mystery?
PERSONAL EFFECTS
Photography by Zoetica Ebb, featuring Annika and Lumi, and transmedia items from the groundbreaking thriller novel Personal Effects: Dark Art by J.C. Hutchins and Jordan Weisman.
- See the complete, unedited, nude pin-up “Personal Effects” photo set at SuicideGirls.com.
- Learn more about Personal Effects: Dark Art and the multimedia-fueled "out of book" experience that accompanies the story at JCHutchins.net.
- Order the book online, or purchase a copy at your favorite bookstore.